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Estimator I

Apogee Enterprises · Wausau, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you learned a technical skill by working closely with someone more experienced.

What they are checking: Whether they learn well from a mentor, since this role trains alongside a senior estimator.

How do you keep accuracy high when quoting repetitive systems with many similar line items?

What they are checking: Whether they use checks to avoid copy errors that are common in repetitive quoting.

What would you do

You notice the takeoff seems to be missing items shown on the drawings. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they raise discrepancies instead of quoting blindly from what was given.

A customer needs a quote by end of day and you are not sure about part of it. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they ask for help or state assumptions clearly rather than guessing to hit a deadline.

How would you organize your work when you have several quotes due the same week?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage deadlines and communicate priorities with their lead.

About the work

What is the difference between storefront, curtain wall and window systems?

What they are checking: Whether they know basic fenestration product types or have a real plan to learn them quickly.

How would you work from a customer-supplied takeoff to build a cost estimate?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that an estimate is only as good as checking the takeoff carefully first.

Why do product limits and anchoring requirements matter to an estimate?

What they are checking: Whether they see that an estimate must reflect what can actually be built and installed, not only material cost.

How comfortable are you reading architectural drawings and elevations?

What they are checking: Whether they can read drawings well enough to verify quantities and configurations.

What Excel or quoting software skills do you bring?

What they are checking: Whether they can work efficiently in the tools estimators rely on daily.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Apogee Enterprises from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Apogee Enterprises.

Apogee Architectural Metals Apogee Architectural Metals is a segment of Apogee specializing in aluminum framing, windows, storefront, curtainwall, entrance systems, and finishing of customer supplied materials. We provide integrated capabilities, including design, engineering, extrusion, finishing, fabrication and assembly, across North America. Through our brands including Alumicor, EFCO, Linetec, Tubelite, and Wausau, we deliver quality, consistency, and value-added services throughout our portfolio. Position Summary The Estimator I is responsible for developing cost estimates and pricing quotations for standard production opportunities using customer-provided drawings, specifications, and takeoffs. Under the guidance of senior estimators, this position learns finishing processes, industry terminology, estimating methodologies, and quoting tools to support accurate and competitive quotations. The Estimator I will develop knowledge of aluminum finishing services, including painting, anodizing, and powder coating, as well as manufacturing processes, material identification, product performance requirements, and cost estimating principles. Typical assignments include quoting standard extrusions, custom brake metal shapes, small parts, and other basic product configurations, with the goal of building the technical and commercial expertise required to support increasingly complex quoting activities. Key Responsibilities • Provide sales support through data entry, quote formatting, and preparation of quotation documents. • Review customer RFQs to identify missing information, discrepancies, or non-standard requirements; escalate issues as appropriate. • Prioritize and manage workload to meet quote deadlines while balancing capacity and business needs. • Prepare accurate, professional quotes, bids, and supporting documentation for standard opportunities with minimal supervision. • Develop working knowledge of aluminum finishing processes, including painting, anodizing, and powder coating. • Utilize internal pricing tools, methodologies, and processes to develop competitive and accurate quotations. • Obtain pricing and quotations from external suppliers for standard buyout materials as required. • Maintain proficiency in pricing systems and processes while managing multiple quotes simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. • Develop an understanding of finish types, performance characteristics, and customer application requirements to recommend appropriate solutions. Experience & Skills Education: • 2-year technical degree or related experience preferred. Experience: • 1-2 years of estimating or closely related manufacturing or construction experience. Required Skills: • High level of professionalism. • Self-motivated and able to multi-task proficiently. • Strong organizational skills. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Attention to detail. • Data analysis skills. • Sound mathematical and numeracy skills. • Critical Thinking - using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Work Environment/Travel Requirements Mostly an office environment with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor (proper PPE must be worn on manufacturing floor). Occasional travel related to other sites / corporate. Must be able to lift and/or move 10lbs. Our Benefits We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team. • Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability) • Incentive Plans • 401(k) with employer contribution and match • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match • Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement Program • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Wellness Program • Training and Career Progression Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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